The 6 best laptops for college students at school this fall
We reviewed the best laptops for college students going back to school this fall, including the top MacBooks and Windows PCs.
In recent years, Mashable has diligently evaluated the best laptops for college students, using a thorough in-house review process that combines real-world testing and performance benchmarking. Over 90 different laptop models have been examined, spanning a variety of price ranges. To identify the ideal laptops for college students, specifically, the author researched the top 10 public universities' hardware recommendations for the fall 2026 semester. This research allowed the author to identify common themes across various majors and preferences.
Key factors for selecting a suitable college laptop include durability, portability, competitive pricing, and compatibility with academic software. Upon conducting this research, the author narrowed down the selection to six top-rated laptops that serve as the best choices for college students. These laptops cater to a diverse range of majors, including communication, fine arts, education, humanities, healthcare, business, economics, liberal arts, engineering, computer science, architecture, and graphic design, animation, and video production.
When considering a college laptop, Windows laptops with mid-tier Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7 processors are generally recommended. MacBooks are also popular among students. The author suggests at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage for most students. However, students in engineering, design, or computer science majors should opt for laptops with 24GB to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for optimal performance.
For Windows laptops, a mid-range CPU like an Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 5 is sufficient, with a mid- to high-end Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 chip recommended for more demanding tasks. Additionally, students should consider acquiring a dedicated GPU for coursework requiring heavy graphical processing.
Apple's MacBook Air and Pro models with base M5 chip are popular among students, while schools advise against ARM-based Windows laptops due to limited software compatibility. It is also advised to budget for an extended warranty with accidental damage protection. AppleCare+ for Mac is a recommended option, with annual pricing varying depending on the MacBook model.
Written by urgent.news from Mashable's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
